Overhead Reduction for Multi-carrier Beam Selection and Power Control

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for overhead reduction for multi-carrier beam selection and power control. A user equipment device (UE) may receive an uplink beam configuration for a group of component carriers and may communicate using the uplink beam configuration for the group of component carriers. The UE may receive an updated uplink beam configuration for the group of component carriers. The update uplink beam configuration may include a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) that may update a pathloss reference signal for the group of component carriers. The MAC CE may include an indication of a spatial relation for aperiodic or semi-persistent sounding reference signals for the group of component carriers, an indication of a transmission control indicator for a physical downlink control channel, an indication of an update for a physical uplink shared channel, and/or an indication of an update for a sounding reference signal.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a national phase entry of PCT application numberPCT/CN2020/083640, entitled “Overhead Reduction for Multi-carrier BeamSelection and Power Control,” filed Apr. 8, 2020, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully and completelyset forth herein.

The claims in the instant application are different than those of theparent application or other related applications. The Applicanttherefore rescinds any disclaimer of claim scope made in the parentapplication or any predecessor application in relation to the instantapplication. The Examiner is therefore advised that any such previousdisclaimer and the cited references that it was made to avoid, may needto be revisited. Further, any disclaimer made in the instant applicationshould not be read into or against the parent application or otherrelated applications.

FIELD

The invention relates to wireless communications, and more particularlyto apparatuses, systems, and methods for overhead reduction formulti-carrier beam selection and power control.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Wireless communication systems are rapidly growing in usage. In recentyears, wireless devices such as smart phones and tablet computers havebecome increasingly sophisticated. In addition to supporting telephonecalls, many mobile devices now provide access to the internet, email,text messaging, and navigation using the global positioning system(GPS), and are capable of operating sophisticated applications thatutilize these functionalities.

Long Term Evolution (LTE) has become the technology of choice for themajority of wireless network operators worldwide, providing mobilebroadband data and high-speed Internet access to their subscriber base.LTE defines a number of downlink (DL) physical channels, categorized astransport or control channels, to carry information blocks received frommedium access control (MAC) and higher layers. LTE also defines a numberof physical layer channels for the uplink (UL).

For example, LTE defines a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) as aDL transport channel. The PDSCH is the main data-bearing channelallocated to users on a dynamic and opportunistic basis. The PDSCHcarries data in Transport Blocks (TB) corresponding to a MAC protocoldata unit (PDU), passed from the MAC layer to the physical (PHY) layeronce per Transmission Time Interval (TTI). The PDSCH is also used totransmit broadcast information such as System Information Blocks (SIB)and paging messages.

As another example, LTE defines a Physical Downlink Control Channel(PDCCH) as a DL control channel that carries the resource assignment forUEs that are contained in a Downlink Control Information (DCI) message.Multiple PDCCHs can be transmitted in the same subframe using ControlChannel Elements (CCE), each of which is a nine set of four resourceelements known as Resource Element Groups (REG). The PDCCH employsquadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) modulation, with four QPSK symbolsmapped to each REG. Furthermore, 1, 2, 4, or 8 CCEs can be used for aUE, depending on channel conditions, to ensure sufficient robustness.

Additionally, LTE defines a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) as aUL channel shared by all devices (user equipment, UE) in a radio cell totransmit user data to the network. The scheduling for all UEs is undercontrol of the LTE base station (enhanced Node B, or eNB). The eNB usesthe uplink scheduling grant (DCI format 0) to inform the UE aboutresource block (RB) assignment, and the modulation and coding scheme tobe used. PUSCH typically supports QPSK and quadrature amplitudemodulation (QAM). In addition to user data, the PUSCH also carries anycontrol information necessary to decode the information, such astransport format indicators and multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO)parameters. Control data is multiplexed with information data prior todigital Fourier transform (DFT) spreading.

A proposed next telecommunications standard moving beyond the currentInternational Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced (IMT-Advanced)Standards is called 5th generation mobile networks or 5th generationwireless systems, or 5G for short (otherwise known as 5G-NR for 5G NewRadio, also simply referred to as NR). 5G-NR proposes a higher capacityfor a higher density of mobile broadband users, also supportingdevice-to-device, ultra-reliable, and massive machine communications, aswell as lower latency and lower battery consumption, than current LTEstandards. Further, the 5G-NR standard may allow for less restrictive UEscheduling as compared to current LTE standards. Consequently, effortsare being made in ongoing developments of 5G-NR to take advantage ofhigher throughputs possible at higher frequencies.

SUMMARY

Embodiments relate to wireless communications, and more particularly toapparatuses, systems, and methods for overhead reduction formulti-carrier beam selection and power control.

In some embodiments, a user equipment device (UE) may be configured toreceive, from a base station an uplink beam configuration for a group ofcomponent carriers. The uplink beam configuration may include a mediumaccess control (MAC) control element (CE) that may include an indicationof a spatial relation for aperiodic or semi-persistent soundingreference signals for the group of component carriers, an indication ofa transmission control indicator (TCI) for a physical downlink controlchannel (PDSCH), an indication of an update for a physical uplink sharedchannel (PUSCH), and/or an indication of an update for a soundingreference signal. The UE may be configured to communicate with the basestation using the uplink beam configuration for the group of componentcarriers. The UE may be configured to receive, from the base station, anupdated uplink beam configuration for the group of component carriers.The updated uplink beam configuration may include a MAC CE that mayupdate a pathloss reference signal (PRS) for the group of componentcarriers. In some embodiments, the MAC CE may include an indication of aspatial relation for aperiodic or semi-persistent sounding referencesignals for the group of component carriers, an indication of atransmission control indicator (TCI) for a physical downlink controlchannel (PDSCH), an indication of an update for a physical uplink sharedchannel (PUSCH), and/or an indication of an update for a soundingreference signal.

The techniques described herein may be implemented in and/or used with anumber of different types of devices, including but not limited tounmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned aerial controllers (UACs),base stations, access points, cellular phones, tablet computers,wearable computing devices, portable media players, automobiles and/ormotorized vehicles, and any of various other computing devices.

This Summary is intended to provide a brief overview of some of thesubject matter described in this document. Accordingly, it will beappreciated that the above-described features are merely examples andshould not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subjectmatter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, andadvantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparentfrom the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present subject matter can be obtainedwhen the following detailed description of various embodiments isconsidered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an example wireless communication system accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a base station (BS) and an accesspoint in communication with a user equipment (UE) device according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example simplified block diagram of a WLAN AccessPoint (AP), according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a BS according to someembodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example block diagram of a server according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example block diagram of a UE according to someembodiments.

FIG. 5B illustrates an example block diagram of cellular communicationcircuitry, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example of connections between an EPC network, anLTE base station (eNB), and a 5G NR base station (gNB).

FIG. 6B illustrates an example of a protocol stack for an eNB and a gNB.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example of a 5G network architecture thatincorporates both 3GPP (e.g., cellular) and non-3GPP (e.g.,non-cellular) access to the 5G CN, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a 5G network architecture thatincorporates both dual 3GPP (e.g., LTE and 5G NR) access and non-3GPPaccess to the 5G CN, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a baseband processor architecture for aUE, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate examples of signaling to update a group ofcomponent carriers.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate examples of signaling to update a group ofcomponent carriers, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of signaling to update a group ofcomponent carriers, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a MAC CE, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a method foroverhead reduction for multi-carrier beam selection and power control,according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the features described herein may be susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof areshown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described indetail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detaileddescription thereto are not intended to be limiting to the particularform disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims.

Acronyms

Various acronyms are used throughout the present disclosure. Definitionsof the most prominently used acronyms that may appear throughout thepresent disclosure are provided below:

-   3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project-   TS: Technical Specification-   RAN: Radio Access Network-   RAT: Radio Access Technology-   UE: User Equipment-   RF: Radio Frequency-   BS: Base Station-   DL: Downlink-   UL: Uplink-   LTE: Long Term Evolution-   NR: New Radio-   5GS: 5G System-   5GMM: 5GS Mobility Management-   5GC: 5G Core Network-   IE: Information Element

Terms

The following is a glossary of terms used in this disclosure:

Memory Medium – Any of various types of non-transitory memory devices orstorage devices. The term “memory medium” is intended to include aninstallation medium, e.g., a CD-ROM, floppy disks, or tape device; acomputer system memory or random access memory such as DRAM, DDR RAM,SRAM, EDO RAM, Rambus RAM, etc.; a non-volatile memory such as a Flash,magnetic media, e.g., a hard drive, or optical storage; registers, orother similar types of memory elements, etc. The memory medium mayinclude other types of non-transitory memory as well or combinationsthereof. In addition, the memory medium may be located in a firstcomputer system in which the programs are executed, or may be located ina second different computer system which connects to the first computersystem over a network, such as the Internet. In the latter instance, thesecond computer system may provide program instructions to the firstcomputer for execution. The term “memory medium” may include two or morememory mediums which may reside in different locations, e.g., indifferent computer systems that are connected over a network. The memorymedium may store program instructions (e.g., embodied as computerprograms) that may be executed by one or more processors.

Carrier Medium – a memory medium as described above, as well as aphysical transmission medium, such as a bus, network, and/or otherphysical transmission medium that conveys signals such as electrical,electromagnetic, or digital signals.

Programmable Hardware Element - includes various hardware devicescomprising multiple programmable function blocks connected via aprogrammable interconnect. Examples include FPGAs (Field ProgrammableGate Arrays), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), FPOAs (FieldProgrammable Object Arrays), and CPLDs (Complex PLDs). The programmablefunction blocks may range from fine grained (combinatorial logic or lookup tables) to coarse grained (arithmetic logic units or processorcores). A programmable hardware element may also be referred to as“reconfigurable logic”.

Computer System (or Computer) – any of various types of computing orprocessing systems, including a personal computer system (PC), mainframecomputer system, workstation, network appliance, Internet appliance,personal digital assistant (PDA), television system, grid computingsystem, or other device or combinations of devices. In general, the term“computer system” can be broadly defined to encompass any device (orcombination of devices) having at least one processor that executesinstructions from a memory medium.

User Equipment (UE) (or “UE Device”) – any of various types of computersystems devices which are mobile or portable and which performs wirelesscommunications. Examples of UE devices include mobile telephones orsmart phones (e.g., iPhone™, Android™-based phones), portable gamingdevices (e.g., Nintendo DS™, PlayStation Portable™, Gameboy Advance™,iPhone™), laptops, wearable devices (e.g. smart watch, smart glasses),PDAs, portable Internet devices, music players, data storage devices,other handheld devices, automobiles and/or motor vehicles, unmannedaerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones), UAV controllers (UACs), and soforth. In general, the term “UE” or “UE device” can be broadly definedto encompass any electronic, computing, and/or telecommunications device(or combination of devices) which is easily transported by (or with) auser and capable of wireless communication.

Base Station – The term “Base Station” has the full breadth of itsordinary meaning, and at least includes a wireless communication stationinstalled at a fixed location and used to communicate as part of awireless telephone system or radio system.

Processing Element (or Processor) – refers to various elements orcombinations of elements that are capable of performing a function in adevice, such as a user equipment or a cellular network device.Processing elements may include, for example: processors and associatedmemory, portions or circuits of individual processor cores, entireprocessor cores, processor arrays, circuits such as an ASIC (ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit), programmable hardware elements such as afield programmable gate array (FPGA), as well any of variouscombinations of the above.

Channel - a medium used to convey information from a sender(transmitter) to a receiver. It should be noted that sincecharacteristics of the term “channel” may differ according to differentwireless protocols, the term “channel” as used herein may be consideredas being used in a manner that is consistent with the standard of thetype of device with reference to which the term is used. In somestandards, channel widths may be variable (e.g., depending on devicecapability, band conditions, etc.). For example, LTE may supportscalable channel bandwidths from 1.4 MHz to 20 MHz. In contrast, WLANchannels may be 22 MHz wide while Bluetooth channels may be 1Mhz wide.Other protocols and standards may include different definitions ofchannels. Furthermore, some standards may define and use multiple typesof channels, e.g., different channels for uplink or downlink and/ordifferent channels for different uses such as data, control information,etc.

Band - The term “band” has the full breadth of its ordinary meaning, andat least includes a section of spectrum (e.g., radio frequency spectrum)in which channels are used or set aside for the same purpose.

Wi-Fi - The term “Wi-Fi” has the full breadth of its ordinary meaning,and at least includes a wireless communication network or RAT that isserviced by wireless LAN (WLAN) access points and which providesconnectivity through these access points to the Internet. Most modernWi-Fi networks (or WLAN networks) are based on IEEE 802.11 standards andare marketed under the name “Wi-Fi”. A Wi-Fi (WLAN) network is differentfrom a cellular network.

Automatically – refers to an action or operation performed by a computersystem (e.g., software executed by the computer system) or device (e.g.,circuitry, programmable hardware elements, ASICs, etc.), without userinput directly specifying or performing the action or operation. Thusthe term “automatically” is in contrast to an operation being manuallyperformed or specified by the user, where the user provides input todirectly perform the operation. An automatic procedure may be initiatedby input provided by the user, but the subsequent actions that areperformed “automatically” are not specified by the user, i.e., are notperformed “manually”, where the user specifies each action to perform.For example, a user filling out an electronic form by selecting eachfield and providing input specifying information (e.g., by typinginformation, selecting check boxes, radio selections, etc.) is fillingout the form manually, even though the computer system must update theform in response to the user actions. The form may be automaticallyfilled out by the computer system where the computer system (e.g.,software executing on the computer system) analyzes the fields of theform and fills in the form without any user input specifying the answersto the fields. As indicated above, the user may invoke the automaticfilling of the form, but is not involved in the actual filling of theform (e.g., the user is not manually specifying answers to fields butrather they are being automatically completed). The presentspecification provides various examples of operations beingautomatically performed in response to actions the user has taken.

Approximately - refers to a value that is almost correct or exact. Forexample, approximately may refer to a value that is within 1 to 10percent of the exact (or desired) value. It should be noted, however,that the actual threshold value (or tolerance) may be applicationdependent. For example, in some embodiments, “approximately” may meanwithin 0.1% of some specified or desired value, while in various otherembodiments, the threshold may be, for example, 2%, 3%, 5%, and soforth, as desired or as required by the particular application.

Concurrent – refers to parallel execution or performance, where tasks,processes, or programs are performed in an at least partiallyoverlapping manner. For example, concurrency may be implemented using“strong” or strict parallelism, where tasks are performed (at leastpartially) in parallel on respective computational elements, or using“weak parallelism”, where the tasks are performed in an interleavedmanner, e.g., by time multiplexing of execution threads.

Various components may be described as “configured to” perform a task ortasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is a broad recitation generallymeaning “having structure that” performs the task or tasks duringoperation. As such, the component can be configured to perform the taskeven when the component is not currently performing that task (e.g., aset of electrical conductors may be configured to electrically connect amodule to another module, even when the two modules are not connected).In some contexts, “configured to” may be a broad recitation of structuregenerally meaning “having circuitry that” performs the task or tasksduring operation. As such, the component can be configured to performthe task even when the component is not currently on. In general, thecircuitry that forms the structure corresponding to “configured to” mayinclude hardware circuits.

Various components may be described as performing a task or tasks, forconvenience in the description. Such descriptions should be interpretedas including the phrase “configured to.” Reciting a component that isconfigured to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not toinvoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) interpretation for that component.

Figures 1A and 1B: Communication Systems

FIG. 1A illustrates a simplified example wireless communication system,according to some embodiments. It is noted that the system of FIG. 1A ismerely one example of a possible system, and that features of thisdisclosure may be implemented in any of various systems, as desired.

As shown, the example wireless communication system includes a basestation 102A which communicates over a transmission medium with one ormore user devices 106A, 106B, etc., through 106N. Each of the userdevices may be referred to herein as a “user equipment” (UE). Thus, theuser devices 106 are referred to as UEs or UE devices.

The base station (BS) 102A may be a base transceiver station (BTS) orcell site (a “cellular base station”) and may include hardware thatenables wireless communication with the UEs 106A through 106N.

The communication area (or coverage area) of the base station may bereferred to as a “cell.” The base station 102A and the UEs 106 may beconfigured to communicate over the transmission medium using any ofvarious radio access technologies (RATs), also referred to as wirelesscommunication technologies, or telecommunication standards, such as GSM,UMTS (associated with, for example, WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces),LTE, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), 5G new radio (5GNR), HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000(e.g., 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), etc. Note that if the base station102A is implemented in the context of LTE, it may alternately bereferred to as an ‘eNodeB’ or ‘eNB’. Note that if the base station 102Ais implemented in the context of 5G NR, it may alternately be referredto as ‘gNodeB’ or ‘gNB’.

As shown, the base station 102A may also be equipped to communicate witha network 100 (e.g., a core network of a cellular service provider, atelecommunication network such as a public switched telephone network(PSTN), and/or the Internet, among various possibilities). Thus, thebase station 102A may facilitate communication between the user devicesand/or between the user devices and the network 100. In particular, thecellular base station 102A may provide UEs 106 with varioustelecommunication capabilities, such as voice, SMS and/or data services.

Base station 102A and other similar base stations (such as base stations102B... 102N) operating according to the same or a different cellularcommunication standard may thus be provided as a network of cells, whichmay provide continuous or nearly continuous overlapping service to UEs106A-N and similar devices over a geographic area via one or morecellular communication standards.

Thus, while base station 102A may act as a “serving cell” for UEs 106A-Nas illustrated in FIG. 1 , each UE 106 may also be capable of receivingsignals from (and possibly within communication range of) one or moreother cells (which might be provided by base stations 102B-N and/or anyother base stations), which may be referred to as “neighboring cells”.Such cells may also be capable of facilitating communication betweenuser devices and/or between user devices and the network 100. Such cellsmay include “macro” cells, “micro” cells, “pico” cells, and/or cellswhich provide any of various other granularities of service area size.For example, base stations 102A-B illustrated in FIG. 1 might be macrocells, while base station 102N might be a micro cell. Otherconfigurations are also possible.

In some embodiments, base station 102A may be a next generation basestation, e.g., a 5G New Radio (5G NR) base station, or “gNB”. In someembodiments, a gNB may be connected to a legacy evolved packet core(EPC) network and/or to a NR core (NRC) network. In addition, a gNB cellmay include one or more transmission and reception points (TRPs). Inaddition, a UE capable of operating according to 5G NR may be connectedto one or more TRPs within one or more gNBs.

Note that a UE 106 may be capable of communicating using multiplewireless communication standards. For example, the UE 106 may beconfigured to communicate using a wireless networking (e.g., Wi-Fi)and/or peer-to-peer wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth,Wi-Fi peer-to-peer, etc.) in addition to at least one cellularcommunication protocol (e.g., GSM, UMTS (associated with, for example,WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces), LTE, LTE-A, 5G NR, HSPA, 3GPP2CDMA2000 (e.g., 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), etc.). The UE 106 may alsoor alternatively be configured to communicate using one or more globalnavigational satellite systems (GNSS, e.g., GPS or GLONASS), one or moremobile television broadcasting standards (e.g., ATSC-M/H or DVB-H),and/or any other wireless communication protocol, if desired. Othercombinations of wireless communication standards (including more thantwo wireless communication standards) are also possible.

FIG. 1B illustrates user equipment 106 (e.g., one of the devices 106Athrough 106N) in communication with a base station 102 and an accesspoint 112, according to some embodiments. The UE 106 may be a devicewith both cellular communication capability and non-cellularcommunication capability (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and so forth) such asa mobile phone, a hand-held device, a computer or a tablet, or virtuallyany type of wireless device.

The UE 106 may include a processor that is configured to execute programinstructions stored in memory. The UE 106 may perform any of the methodembodiments described herein by executing such stored instructions.Alternatively, or in addition, the UE 106 may include a programmablehardware element such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) that isconfigured to perform any of the method embodiments described herein, orany portion of any of the method embodiments described herein.

The UE 106 may include one or more antennas for communicating using oneor more wireless communication protocols or technologies. In someembodiments, the UE 106 may be configured to communicate using, forexample, CDMA2000 (1xRTT / 1xEV-DO / HRPD / eHRPD), LTE/LTE-Advanced, or5G NR using a single shared radio and/or GSM, LTE, LTE-Advanced, or 5GNR using the single shared radio. The shared radio may couple to asingle antenna, or may couple to multiple antennas (e.g., for MIMO) forperforming wireless communications. In general, a radio may include anycombination of a baseband processor, analog RF signal processingcircuitry (e.g., including filters, mixers, oscillators, amplifiers,etc.), or digital processing circuitry (e.g., for digital modulation aswell as other digital processing). Similarly, the radio may implementone or more receive and transmit chains using the aforementionedhardware. For example, the UE 106 may share one or more parts of areceive and/or transmit chain between multiple wireless communicationtechnologies, such as those discussed above.

In some embodiments, the UE 106 may include separate transmit and/orreceive chains (e.g., including separate antennas and other radiocomponents) for each wireless communication protocol with which it isconfigured to communicate. As a further possibility, the UE 106 mayinclude one or more radios which are shared between multiple wirelesscommunication protocols, and one or more radios which are usedexclusively by a single wireless communication protocol. For example,the UE 106 might include a shared radio for communicating using eitherof LTE or 5G NR (or LTE or 1xRTTor LTE or GSM), and separate radios forcommunicating using each of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Other configurationsare also possible.

Figure 2: Access Point Block Diagram

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an access point (AP)112. It is noted that the block diagram of the AP of FIG. 2 is only oneexample of a possible system. As shown, the AP 112 may includeprocessor(s) 204 which may execute program instructions for the AP 112.The processor(s) 204 may also be coupled (directly or indirectly) tomemory management unit (MMU) 240, which may be configured to receiveaddresses from the processor(s) 204 and to translate those addresses tolocations in memory (e.g., memory 260 and read only memory (ROM) 250) orto other circuits or devices.

The AP 112 may include at least one network port 270. The network port270 may be configured to couple to a wired network and provide aplurality of devices, such as UEs 106, access to the Internet. Forexample, the network port 270 (or an additional network port) may beconfigured to couple to a local network, such as a home network or anenterprise network. For example, port 270 may be an Ethernet port. Thelocal network may provide connectivity to additional networks, such asthe Internet.

The AP 112 may include at least one antenna 234, which may be configuredto operate as a wireless transceiver and may be further configured tocommunicate with UE 106 via wireless communication circuitry 230. Theantenna 234 communicates with the wireless communication circuitry 230via communication chain 232. Communication chain 232 may include one ormore receive chains, one or more transmit chains or both. The wirelesscommunication circuitry 230 may be configured to communicate via Wi-Fior WLAN, e.g., 802.11. The wireless communication circuitry 230 mayalso, or alternatively, be configured to communicate via various otherwireless communication technologies, including, but not limited to, 5GNR, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), Global System forMobile (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), CDMA2000,etc., for example when the AP is co-located with a base station in caseof a small cell, or in other instances when it may be desirable for theAP 112 to communicate via various different wireless communicationtechnologies.

In some embodiments, as further described below, an AP 112 may beconfigured to perform methods for overhead reduction for multi-carrierbeam selection and power control as further described herein.

Figure 3: Block Diagram of a Base Station

FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a base station 102,according to some embodiments. It is noted that the base station of FIG.3 is merely one example of a possible base station. As shown, the basestation 102 may include processor(s) 404 which may execute programinstructions for the base station 102. The processor(s) 404 may also becoupled to memory management unit (MMU) 440, which may be configured toreceive addresses from the processor(s) 404 and translate thoseaddresses to locations in memory (e.g., memory 460 and read only memory(ROM) 450) or to other circuits or devices.

The base station 102 may include at least one network port 470. Thenetwork port 470 may be configured to couple to a telephone network andprovide a plurality of devices, such as UE devices 106, access to thetelephone network as described above in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

The network port 470 (or an additional network port) may also oralternatively be configured to couple to a cellular network, e.g., acore network of a cellular service provider. The core network mayprovide mobility related services and/or other services to a pluralityof devices, such as UE devices 106. In some cases, the network port 470may couple to a telephone network via the core network, and/or the corenetwork may provide a telephone network (e.g., among other UE devicesserviced by the cellular service provider).

In some embodiments, base station 102 may be a next generation basestation, e.g., a 5G New Radio (5G NR) base station, or “gNB”. In suchembodiments, base station 102 may be connected to a legacy evolvedpacket core (EPC) network and/or to a NR core (NRC) network. Inaddition, base station 102 may be considered a 5G NR cell and mayinclude one or more transition and reception points (TRPs). In addition,a UE capable of operating according to 5G NR may be connected to one ormore TRPs within one or more gNBs.

The base station 102 may include at least one antenna 434, and possiblymultiple antennas. The at least one antenna 434 may be configured tooperate as a wireless transceiver and may be further configured tocommunicate with UE devices 106 via radio 430. The antenna 434communicates with the radio 430 via communication chain 432.Communication chain 432 may be a receive chain, a transmit chain orboth. The radio 430 may be configured to communicate via variouswireless communication standards, including, but not limited to, 5G NR,LTE, LTE-A, GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, Wi-Fi, etc.

The base station 102 may be configured to communicate wirelessly usingmultiple wireless communication standards. In some instances, the basestation 102 may include multiple radios, which may enable the basestation 102 to communicate according to multiple wireless communicationtechnologies. For example, as one possibility, the base station 102 mayinclude an LTE radio for performing communication according to LTE aswell as a 5G NR radio for performing communication according to 5G NR.In such a case, the base station 102 may be capable of operating as bothan LTE base station and a 5G NR base station. As another possibility,the base station 102 may include a multi-mode radio which is capable ofperforming communications according to any of multiple wirelesscommunication technologies (e.g., 5G NR and Wi-Fi, LTE and Wi-Fi, LTEand UMTS, LTE and CDMA2000, UMTS and GSM, etc.).

As described further subsequently herein, the BS 102 may includehardware and software components for implementing or supportingimplementation of features described herein. The processor 404 of thebase station 102 may be configured to implement or supportimplementation of part or all of the methods described herein, e.g., byexecuting program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., anon-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively, theprocessor 404 may be configured as a programmable hardware element, suchas an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC (ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit), or a combination thereof. Alternatively(or in addition) the processor 404 of the BS 102, in conjunction withone or more of the other components 430, 432, 434, 440, 450, 460, 470may be configured to implement or support implementation of part or allof the features described herein.

In addition, as described herein, processor(s) 404 may be comprised ofone or more processing elements. In other words, one or more processingelements may be included in processor(s) 404. Thus, processor(s) 404 mayinclude one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured toperform the functions of processor(s) 404. In addition, each integratedcircuit may include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry,etc.) configured to perform the functions of processor(s) 404.

Further, as described herein, radio 430 may be comprised of one or moreprocessing elements. In other words, one or more processing elements maybe included in radio 430. Thus, radio 430 may include one or moreintegrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functionsof radio 430. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry(e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured to performthe functions of radio 430.

Figure 4: Block Diagram of a Server

FIG. 4 illustrates an example block diagram of a server 104, accordingto some embodiments. It is noted that the base station of FIG. 4 ismerely one example of a possible server. As shown, the server 104 mayinclude processor(s) 444 which may execute program instructions for theserver 104. The processor(s) 444 may also be coupled to memorymanagement unit (MMU) 474, which may be configured to receive addressesfrom the processor(s) 444 and translate those addresses to locations inmemory (e.g., memory 464 and read only memory (ROM) 454) or to othercircuits or devices.

The base station 104 may be configured to provide a plurality ofdevices, such as base station 102 and/or UE devices 106, access tonetwork functions, e.g., as further described herein.

In some embodiments, the server 104 may be part of a radio accessnetwork, such as a 5G New Radio (5G NR) radio access network. In someembodiments, the server 104 may be connected to a legacy evolved packetcore (EPC) network and/or to a NR core (NRC) network.

As described further subsequently herein, the server 104 may includehardware and software components for implementing or supportingimplementation of features described herein. The processor 444 of theserver 104 may be configured to implement or support implementation ofpart or all of the methods described herein, e.g., by executing programinstructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitorycomputer-readable memory medium). Alternatively, the processor 444 maybe configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (FieldProgrammable Gate Array), or as an ASIC (Application Specific IntegratedCircuit), or a combination thereof. Alternatively (or in addition) theprocessor 444 of the server 104, in conjunction with one or more of theother components 454, 464, and/or 474 may be configured to implement orsupport implementation of part or all of the features described herein.

In addition, as described herein, processor(s) 444 may be comprised ofone or more processing elements. In other words, one or more processingelements may be included in processor(s) 444. Thus, processor(s) 444 mayinclude one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured toperform the functions of processor(s) 444. In addition, each integratedcircuit may include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry,etc.) configured to perform the functions of processor(s) 444.

Figure 5A: Block Diagram of a UE

FIG. 5A illustrates an example simplified block diagram of acommunication device 106, according to some embodiments. It is notedthat the block diagram of the communication device of FIG. 5A is onlyone example of a possible communication device. According toembodiments, communication device 106 may be a user equipment (UE)device, a mobile device or mobile station, a wireless device or wirelessstation, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computingdevice (e.g., a laptop, notebook, or portable computing device), atablet, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a UAV controller (UAC) and/ora combination of devices, among other devices. As shown, thecommunication device 106 may include a set of components 300 configuredto perform core functions. For example, this set of components may beimplemented as a system on chip (SOC), which may include portions forvarious purposes. Alternatively, this set of components 300 may beimplemented as separate components or groups of components for thevarious purposes. The set of components 300 may be coupled (e.g.,communicatively; directly or indirectly) to various other circuits ofthe communication device 106.

For example, the communication device 106 may include various types ofmemory (e.g., including NAND flash 310), an input/output interface suchas connector I/F 320 (e.g., for connecting to a computer system; dock;charging station; input devices, such as a microphone, camera, keyboard;output devices, such as speakers; etc.), the display 360, which may beintegrated with or external to the communication device 106, andcellular communication circuitry 330 such as for 5G NR, LTE, GSM, etc.,and short to medium range wireless communication circuitry 329 (e.g.,Bluetooth™ and WLAN circuitry). In some embodiments, communicationdevice 106 may include wired communication circuitry (not shown), suchas a network interface card, e.g., for Ethernet.

The cellular communication circuitry 330 may couple (e.g.,communicatively; directly or indirectly) to one or more antennas, suchas antennas 335 and 336 as shown. The short to medium range wirelesscommunication circuitry 329 may also couple (e.g., communicatively;directly or indirectly) to one or more antennas, such as antennas 337and 338 as shown. Alternatively, the short to medium range wirelesscommunication circuitry 329 may couple (e.g., communicatively; directlyor indirectly) to the antennas 335 and 336 in addition to, or insteadof, coupling (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) to theantennas 337 and 338. The short to medium range wireless communicationcircuitry 329 and/or cellular communication circuitry 330 may includemultiple receive chains and/or multiple transmit chains for receivingand/or transmitting multiple spatial streams, such as in amultiple-input multiple output (MIMO) configuration.

In some embodiments, as further described below, cellular communicationcircuitry 330 may include dedicated receive chains (including and/orcoupled to, e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly. dedicatedprocessors and/or radios) for multiple RATs (e.g., a first receive chainfor LTE and a second receive chain for 5G NR). In addition, in someembodiments, cellular communication circuitry 330 may include a singletransmit chain that may be switched between radios dedicated to specificRATs. For example, a first radio may be dedicated to a first RAT, e.g.,LTE, and may be in communication with a dedicated receive chain and atransmit chain shared with an additional radio, e.g., a second radiothat may be dedicated to a second RAT, e.g., 5G NR, and may be incommunication with a dedicated receive chain and the shared transmitchain.

The communication device 106 may also include and/or be configured foruse with one or more user interface elements. The user interfaceelements may include any of various elements, such as display 360 (whichmay be a touchscreen display), a keyboard (which may be a discretekeyboard or may be implemented as part of a touchscreen display), amouse, a microphone and/or speakers, one or more cameras, one or morebuttons, and/or any of various other elements capable of providinginformation to a user and/or receiving or interpreting user input.

The communication device 106 may further include one or more smart cards345 that include SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) functionality, such asone or more UICC(s) (Universal Integrated Circuit Card(s)) cards 345.Note that the term “SIM” or “SIM entity” is intended to include any ofvarious types of SIM implementations or SIM functionality, such as theone or more UICC(s) cards 345, one or more eUICCs, one or more eSIMs,either removable or embedded, etc. In some embodiments, the UE 106 mayinclude at least two SIMs. Each SIM may execute one or more SIMapplications and/or otherwise implement SIM functionality. Thus, eachSIM may be a single smart card that may be embedded, e.g., may besoldered onto a circuit board in the UE 106, or each SIM 310 may beimplemented as a removable smart card. Thus the SIM(s) may be one ormore removable smart cards (such as UICC cards, which are sometimesreferred to as “SIM cards”), and/or the SIMs 310 may be one or moreembedded cards (such as embedded UICCs (eUICCs), which are sometimesreferred to as “eSIMs” or “eSIM cards”). In some embodiments (such aswhen the SIM(s) include an eUICC), one or more of the SIM(s) mayimplement embedded SIM (eSIM) functionality; in such an embodiment, asingle one of the SIM(s) may execute multiple SIM applications. Each ofthe SIMs may include components such as a processor and/or a memory;instructions for performing SIM/eSIM functionality may be stored in thememory and executed by the processor. In some embodiments, the UE 106may include a combination of removable smart cards andfixed/non-removable smart cards (such as one or more eUICC cards thatimplement eSIM functionality), as desired. For example, the UE 106 maycomprise two embedded SIMs, two removable SIMs, or a combination of oneembedded SIMs and one removable SIMs. Various other SIM configurationsare also contemplated.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the UE 106 may include two or moreSIMs. The inclusion of two or more SIMs in the UE 106 may allow the UE106 to support two different telephone numbers and may allow the UE 106to communicate on corresponding two or more respective networks. Forexample, a first SIM may support a first RAT such as LTE, and a secondSIM 310 support a second RAT such as 5G NR. Other implementations andRATs are of course possible. In some embodiments, when the UE 106comprises two SIMs, the UE 106 may support Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA)functionality. The DSDA functionality may allow the UE 106 to besimultaneously connected to two networks (and use two different RATs) atthe same time, or to simultaneously maintain two connections supportedby two different SIMs using the same or different RATs on the same ordifferent networks. The DSDA functionality may also allow the UE 106 tosimultaneously receive voice calls or data traffic on either phonenumber. In certain embodiments the voice call may be a packet switchedcommunication. In other words, the voice call may be received usingvoice over LTE (VoLTE) technology and/or voice over NR (VoNR)technology. In some embodiments, the UE 106 may support Dual SIM DualStandby (DSDS) functionality. The DSDS functionality may allow either ofthe two SIMs in the UE 106 to be on standby waiting for a voice calland/or data connection. In DSDS, when a call/data is established on oneSIM, the other SIM is no longer active. In some embodiments, DSDxfunctionality (either DSDA or DSDS functionality) may be implementedwith a single SIM (e.g., a eUICC) that executes multiple SIMapplications for different carriers and/or RATs.

As shown, the SOC 300 may include processor(s) 302, which may executeprogram instructions for the communication device 106 and displaycircuitry 304, which may perform graphics processing and provide displaysignals to the display 360. The processor(s) 302 may also be coupled tomemory management unit (MMU) 340, which may be configured to receiveaddresses from the processor(s) 302 and translate those addresses tolocations in memory (e.g., memory 306, read only memory (ROM) 350, NANDflash memory 310) and/or to other circuits or devices, such as thedisplay circuitry 304, short to medium range wireless communicationcircuitry 329, cellular communication circuitry 330, connector I/F 320,and/or display 360. The MMU 340 may be configured to perform memoryprotection and page table translation or set up. In some embodiments,the MMU 340 may be included as a portion of the processor(s) 302.

As noted above, the communication device 106 may be configured tocommunicate using wireless and/or wired communication circuitry. Thecommunication device 106 may be configured to perform methods foroverhead reduction for multi-carrier beam selection and power control asfurther described herein.

As described herein, the communication device 106 may include hardwareand software components for implementing the above features for acommunication device 106 to communicate a scheduling profile for powersavings to a network. The processor 302 of the communication device 106may be configured to implement part or all of the features describedherein, e.g., by executing program instructions stored on a memorymedium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium).Alternatively (or in addition), processor 302 may be configured as aprogrammable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable GateArray), or as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).Alternatively (or in addition) the processor 302 of the communicationdevice 106, in conjunction with one or more of the other components 300,304, 306, 310, 320, 329, 330, 340, 345, 350, 360 may be configured toimplement part or all of the features described herein.

In addition, as described herein, processor 302 may include one or moreprocessing elements. Thus, processor 302 may include one or moreintegrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functionsof processor 302. In addition, each integrated circuit may includecircuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured toperform the functions of processor(s) 302.

Further, as described herein, cellular communication circuitry 330 andshort to medium range wireless communication circuitry 329 may eachinclude one or more processing elements. In other words, one or moreprocessing elements may be included in cellular communication circuitry330 and, similarly, one or more processing elements may be included inshort to medium range wireless communication circuitry 329. Thus,cellular communication circuitry 330 may include one or more integratedcircuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functions of cellularcommunication circuitry 330. In addition, each integrated circuit mayinclude circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.)configured to perform the functions of cellular communication circuitry330. Similarly, the short to medium range wireless communicationcircuitry 329 may include one or more ICs that are configured to performthe functions of short to medium range wireless communication circuitry329. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g.,first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured to perform thefunctions of short to medium range wireless communication circuitry 329.

Figure 5B: Block Diagram of Cellular Communication Circuitry

FIG. 5B illustrates an example simplified block diagram of cellularcommunication circuitry, according to some embodiments. It is noted thatthe block diagram of the cellular communication circuitry of FIG. 5B isonly one example of a possible cellular communication circuit. Accordingto embodiments, cellular communication circuitry 330 may be included ina communication device, such as communication device 106 describedabove. As noted above, communication device 106 may be a user equipment(UE) device, a mobile device or mobile station, a wireless device orwireless station, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobilecomputing device (e.g., a laptop, notebook, or portable computingdevice), a tablet and/or a combination of devices, among other devices.

The cellular communication circuitry 330 may couple (e.g.,communicatively; directly or indirectly) to one or more antennas, suchas antennas 335 a-b and 336 as shown (in FIG. 5A). In some embodiments,cellular communication circuitry 330 may include dedicated receivechains (including and/or coupled to, e.g., communicatively; directly orindirectly. dedicated processors and/or radios) for multiple RATs (e.g.,a first receive chain for LTE and a second receive chain for 5G NR). Forexample, as shown in FIG. 5B, cellular communication circuitry 330 mayinclude a modem 510 and a modem 520. Modem 510 may be configured forcommunications according to a first RAT, e.g., such as LTE or LTE-A, andmodem 520 may be configured for communications according to a secondRAT, e.g., such as 5G NR.

As shown, modem 510 may include one or more processors 512 and a memory516 in communication with processors 512. Modem 510 may be incommunication with a radio frequency (RF) front end 530. RF front end530 may include circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio signals.For example, RF front end 530 may include receive circuitry (RX) 532 andtransmit circuitry (TX) 534. In some embodiments, receive circuitry 532may be in communication with downlink (DL) front end 550, which mayinclude circuitry for receiving radio signals via antenna 335 a.

Similarly, modem 520 may include one or more processors 522 and a memory526 in communication with processors 522. Modem 520 may be incommunication with an RF front end 540. RF front end 540 may includecircuitry for transmitting and receiving radio signals. For example, RFfront end 540 may include receive circuitry 542 and transmit circuitry544. In some embodiments, receive circuitry 542 may be in communicationwith DL front end 560, which may include circuitry for receiving radiosignals via antenna 335 b.

In some embodiments, a switch 570 may couple transmit circuitry 534 touplink (UL) front end 572. In addition, switch 570 may couple transmitcircuitry 544 to UL front end 572. UL front end 572 may includecircuitry for transmitting radio signals via antenna 336. Thus, whencellular communication circuitry 330 receives instructions to transmitaccording to the first RAT (e.g., as supported via modem 510), switch570 may be switched to a first state that allows modem 510 to transmitsignals according to the first RAT (e.g., via a transmit chain thatincludes transmit circuitry 534 and UL front end 572). Similarly, whencellular communication circuitry 330 receives instructions to transmitaccording to the second RAT (e.g., as supported via modem 520), switch570 may be switched to a second state that allows modem 520 to transmitsignals according to the second RAT (e.g., via a transmit chain thatincludes transmit circuitry 544 and UL front end 572).

In some embodiments, the cellular communication circuitry 330 may beconfigured to perform methods overhead reduction for multi-carrier beamselection and power control as further described herein.

As described herein, the modem 510 may include hardware and softwarecomponents for implementing the above features or for time divisionmultiplexing UL data for NSA NR operations, as well as the various othertechniques described herein. The processors 512 may be configured toimplement part or all of the features described herein, e.g., byexecuting program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., anon-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or inaddition), processor 512 may be configured as a programmable hardwareelement, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or inaddition) the processor 512, in conjunction with one or more of theother components 530, 532, 534, 550, 570, 572, 335 and 336 may beconfigured to implement part or all of the features described herein.

In addition, as described herein, processors 512 may include one or moreprocessing elements. Thus, processors 512 may include one or moreintegrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functionsof processors 512. In addition, each integrated circuit may includecircuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured toperform the functions of processors 512.

As described herein, the modem 520 may include hardware and softwarecomponents for implementing the above features for communicating ascheduling profile for power savings to a network, as well as thevarious other techniques described herein. The processors 522 may beconfigured to implement part or all of the features described herein,e.g., by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g.,a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or inaddition), processor 522 may be configured as a programmable hardwareelement, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or inaddition) the processor 522, in conjunction with one or more of theother components 540, 542, 544, 550, 570, 572, 335 and 336 may beconfigured to implement part or all of the features described herein.

In addition, as described herein, processors 522 may include one or moreprocessing elements. Thus, processors 522 may include one or moreintegrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functionsof processors 522. In addition, each integrated circuit may includecircuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured toperform the functions of processors 522.

Figures 6A and 6B: 5G NR Architecture With LTE

In some implementations, fifth generation (5G) wireless communicationwill initially be deployed concurrently with current wirelesscommunication standards (e.g., LTE). For example, dual connectivitybetween LTE and 5G new radio (5G NR or NR) has been specified as part ofthe initial deployment of NR. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-B,evolved packet core (EPC) network 600 may continue to communicate withcurrent LTE base stations (e.g., eNB 602). In addition, eNB 602 may bein communication with a 5G NR base station (e.g., gNB 604) and may passdata between the EPC network 600 and gNB 604. Thus, EPC network 600 maybe used (or reused) and gNB 604 may serve as extra capacity for UEs,e.g., for providing increased downlink throughput to UEs. In otherwords, LTE may be used for control plane signaling and NR may be usedfor user plane signaling. Thus, LTE may be used to establish connectionsto the network and NR may be used for data services.

FIG. 6B illustrates a proposed protocol stack for eNB 602 and gNB 604.As shown, eNB 602 may include a medium access control (MAC) layer 632that interfaces with radio link control (RLC) layers 622 a-b. RLC layer622 a may also interface with packet data convergence protocol (PDCP)layer 612 a and RLC layer 622 b may interface with PDCP layer 612 b.Similar to dual connectivity as specified in LTE-Advanced Release 12,PDCP layer 612 a may interface via a master cell group (MCG) bearer withEPC network 600 whereas PDCP layer 612 b may interface via a splitbearer with EPC network 600.

Additionally, as shown, gNB 604 may include a MAC layer 634 thatinterfaces with RLC layers 624 a-b. RLC layer 624 a may interface withPDCP layer 612 b of eNB 602 via an X₂ interface for information exchangeand/or coordination (e.g., scheduling of a UE) between eNB 602 and gNB604. In addition, RLC layer 624 b may interface with PDCP layer 614.Similar to dual connectivity as specified in LTE-Advanced Release 12,PDCP layer 614 may interface with EPC network 600 via a secondary cellgroup (SCG) bearer. Thus, eNB 602 may be considered a master node (MeNB)while gNB 604 may be considered a secondary node (SgNB). In somescenarios, a UE may be required to maintain a connection to both an MeNBand a SgNB. In such scenarios, the MeNB may be used to maintain a radioresource control (RRC) connection to an EPC while the SgNB may be usedfor capacity (e.g., additional downlink and/or uplink throughput).

Figures 7A, 7B and 8: 5G Core Network Architecture – Interworking WithWi-Fi

In some embodiments, the 5G core network (CN) may be accessed via (orthrough) a cellular connection/interface (e.g., via a 3GPP communicationarchitecture/protocol) and a non-cellular connection/interface (e.g., anon-3GPP access architecture/protocol such as Wi-Fi connection). FIG. 7Aillustrates an example of a 5G network architecture that incorporatesboth 3GPP (e.g., cellular) and non-3GPP (e.g., non-cellular) access tothe 5G CN, according to some embodiments. As shown, a user equipmentdevice (e.g., such as UE 106) may access the 5G CN through both a radioaccess network (RAN, e.g., such as gNB or base station 604) and anaccess point, such as AP 112. The AP 112 may include a connection to theInternet 700 as well as a connection to a non-3GPP inter-workingfunction (N3IWF) 702 network entity. The N3IWF may include a connectionto a core access and mobility management function (AMF) 704 of the 5GCN. The AMF 704 may include an instance of a 5G mobility management (5GMM) function associated with the UE 106. In addition, the RAN (e.g., gNB604) may also have a connection to the AMF 704. Thus, the 5G CN maysupport unified authentication over both connections as well as allowsimultaneous registration for UE 106 access via both gNB 604 and AP 112.As shown, the AMF 704 may include one or more functional entitiesassociated with the 5G CN (e.g., network slice selection function (NSSF)720, short message service function (SMSF) 722, application function(AF) 724, unified data management (UDM) 726, policy control function(PCF) 728, and/or authentication server function (AUSF) 730). Note thatthese functional entities may also be supported by a session managementfunction (SMF) 706 a and an SMF 706 b of the 5G CN. The AMF 706 may beconnected to (or in communication with) the SMF 706 a. In someembodiments, such functional entities may reside on (and/or be executedby and/or be supported by) one or more servers 104 located within theRAN and/or core network. Further, the gNB 604 may in communication with(or connected to) a user plane function (UPF) 708 a that may also becommunication with the SMF 706 a. Similarly, the N3IWF 702 may becommunicating with a UPF 708 b that may also be communicating with theSMF 706 b. Both UPFs may be communicating with the data network (e.g.,DN 710 a and 710 b) and/or the Internet 700 and IMS core network 710.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a 5G network architecture thatincorporates both dual 3GPP (e.g., LTE and 5G NR) access and non-3GPPaccess to the 5G CN, according to some embodiments. As shown, a userequipment device (e.g., such as UE 106) may access the 5G CN throughboth a radio access network (RAN, e.g., such as gNB or base station 604or eNB or base station 602) and an access point, such as AP 112. The AP112 may include a connection to the Internet 700 as well as a connectionto the N3IWF 702 network entity. The N3IWF may include a connection tothe AMF 704 of the 5G CN. The AMF 704 may include an instance of the 5GMM function associated with the UE 106. In addition, the RAN (e.g., gNB604) may also have a connection to the AMF 704. Thus, the 5G CN maysupport unified authentication over both connections as well as allowsimultaneous registration for UE 106 access via both gNB 604 and AP 112.In addition, the 5G CN may support dual-registration of the UE on both alegacy network (e.g., LTE via base station 602) and a 5G network (e.g.,via base station 604). As shown, the base station 602 may haveconnections to a mobility management entity (MME) 742 and a servinggateway (SGW) 744. The MME 742 may have connections to both the SGW 744and the AMF 704. In addition, the SGW 744 may have connections to boththe SMF 706 a and the UPF 708 a. As shown, the AMF 704 may include oneor more functional entities associated with the 5G CN (e.g., NSSF 720,SMSF 722, AF 724, UDM 726, PCF 728, and/or AUSF 730). Note that UDM 726may also include a home subscriber server (HSS) function and the PCF mayalso include a policy and charging rules function (PCRF). Note furtherthat these functional entities may also be supported by the SMF706a andthe SMF 706 b of the 5G CN. The AMF 706 may be connected to (or incommunication with) the SMF 706 a. In some embodiments, such functionalentities may reside on (and/or be executed by and/or be supported by)one or more servers 104 located within the RAN and/or core network.Further, the gNB 604 may in communication with (or connected to) the UPF708 a that may also be communication with the SMF 706 a. Similarly, theN3IWF 702 may be communicating with a UPF 708 b that may also becommunicating with the SMF 706 b. Both UPFs may be communicating withthe data network (e.g., DN 710 a and 710 b) and/or the Internet 700 andIMS core network 710.

Note that in various embodiments, one or more of the above describednetwork entities may be configured to perform methods to improvesecurity checks in a 5G NR network, including mechanisms overheadreduction for multi-carrier beam selection and power control, e.g., asfurther described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a baseband processor architecture for aUE (e.g., such as UE 106), according to some embodiments. The basebandprocessor architecture 800 described in FIG. 8 may be implemented on oneor more radios (e.g., radios 329 and/or 330 described above) or modems(e.g., modems 510 and/or 520) as described above. As shown, thenon-access stratum (NAS) 810 may include a 5G NAS 820 and a legacy NAS850. The legacy NAS 850 may include a communication connection with alegacy access stratum (AS) 870. The 5G NAS 820 may include communicationconnections with both a 5G AS 840 and a non-3GPP AS 830 and Wi-Fi AS832. The 5G NAS 820 may include functional entities associated with bothaccess stratums. Thus, the 5G NAS 820 may include multiple 5G MMentities 826 and 828 and 5G session management (SM) entities 822 and824. The legacy NAS 850 may include functional entities such as shortmessage service (SMS) entity 852, evolved packet system (EPS) sessionmanagement (ESM) entity 854, session management (SM) entity 856, EPSmobility management (EMM) entity 858, and mobility management (MM)/ GPRSmobility management (GMM) entity 860. In addition, the legacy AS 870 mayinclude functional entities such as LTE AS 872, UMTS AS 874, and/orGSM/GPRS AS 876.

Thus, the baseband processor architecture 800 allows for a common 5G-NASfor both 5G cellular and non-cellular (e.g., non-3GPP access). Note thatas shown, the 5G MM may maintain individual connection management andregistration management state machines for each connection.Additionally, a device (e.g., UE 106) may register to a single PLMN(e.g., 5G CN) using 5G cellular access as well as non-cellular access.Further, it may be possible for the device to be in a connected state inone access and an idle state in another access and vice versa. Finally,there may be common 5G-MM procedures (e.g., registration,de-registration, identification, authentication, as so forth) for bothaccesses.

Note that in various embodiments, one or more of the above describedfunctional entities of the 5G NAS and/or 5G AS may be configured toperform methods overhead reduction for multi-carrier beam selection andpower control, e.g., as further described herein.

Overhead Reduction for Multi-Carrier Beam Selection and Power Control

In current implementations of 3GPP 5G NR, a spatial relation for anaperiodic/semi-persistent sounding reference signal (SRS) for a group ofcomponent carriers (CCs) may be updated by a medium access control (MAC)control element (CE). Note that this does not apply to instances of SRSfor non-codebook transmission when an associated channel stateinformation reference signal (CSI-RS) is configured and the SRS is forbeam management. Additionally, in current implementations, a MAC CE maybe used to update a pathloss reference signal foraperiodic/semi-persistent SRS and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)for a CC. Additionally, for a single-transmit/receive point (TRP) case,a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) for a Control Resource Set(CORESET) and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) for a group ofCCs can be updated by MAC CE. For example, as illustrated by FIG. 9A, at902, CC1 may include CORESET 1 and CORESET 2. In CC1, CORESET 1 may beconfigured with TCI 0 and CORESET 2 may be configured with TCI 2.Additionally, CC2 may also include CORESET 1 and CORESET 2. In CC2,CORESET 1 may be configured with TCI 1 and CORESET 2 may be configuredwith TCI 3. At 904, a base station may send a MAC CE TCI update forCORESET 1 for CC1 and CC2. The indication may include a TCI value of 4.Thus, at 906, the TCI value for CORESET 1 in CC1 and CC2 may be updatedto TCI 4, as shown. Additionally, in current implementations, there canbe up to 2 groups of CCs which are configured by RRC signaling and oneCC may not belong to two groups.

However, to change an uplink beam for aperiodic/semi-persistentSRS/PUSCH for a group of CCs (e.g. N CCs), a base station may need totrigger one MAC CE for spatial relation update and N MAC CEs forpathloss reference signal update, resulting in a large overhead.Additionally, to support beam failure recovery (BFR) operation in aprimary cell and/or a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) enabledsecondary cell (SCell), one CORESET may be reserved to carry a BFRresponse. Additionally, a quasi co-location (QCL) assumption for aCORESET-BFR may be based on a newly identified beam and such CORESET-BFRmay not be configured with TCI states. For example, as illustrated byFIG. 9B, at 912, CC1 may include CORESET 1 and CORESET 2. In CC1,CORESET 1 may be configured with TCI 0 and CORESET 2 may be configuredwith TCI 2. Additionally, CC2 may also include CORESET 1 and CORESET 2.In CC2, CORESET 1 may be reserved for BFR and CORESET 2 may beconfigured with TCI 3. At 914, a base station may send a MAC CE TCIupdate for CORESET 1 for CC1 and CC2. The indication may include a TCIvalue of 4. Thus, at 916, the TCI value for CORESET 1 in CC1 may beupdated to TCI 4, however, as shown, since CORESET 1 was reserved forBFR in CC2, it is unclear whether the MAC CE TCI update for CORESET 1supersedes the reservation or not. Additionally, as a further issue,there is no MAC CE to support simultaneous TCI/spatial relation update.

Embodiments described herein provide systems, methods, and mechanismsfor overhead reduction for multi-carrier beam selection and powercontrol. In some embodiments, a MAC CE may be used to update a pathlossreference signal (PRS) for aperiodic/semi-persistent SRS/PUSCH for agroup of CCs. In some embodiments, group of CCs may be configured byradio resource control (RRC) signaling. In some embodiments, a group ofCCs for pathloss reference signal (PRS) may be the same as that used forspatial relation updates. In some embodiments, a group of CCs forpathloss reference signal update may be configured separately. In someembodiments, for SRS, one MAC CE may be used for PRS update and spatialrelation update. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a PRS update andspatial relation update may be based on separate MAC CEs.

In some embodiments, for PUSCH, a MAC CE may be used to update thePUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id corresponding to sri-PUSCHPowerControl-Idfor a group of CCs, which may include a PRS-Id, an SRS resourceindicator (SRI), and/or a serving cell (group) index. For example, asillustrated by FIG. 10A, at 1002, a group of CCs (e.g., CC1 and CC2) maybe configured. As shown, CC1 may include a PRS identifier (ID)corresponding to SRI 0 with an ID value of 0 and PRS ID corresponding toSRI 1 with an ID of 2. Additionally, CC2 may include a PRS IDcorresponding to SRI 0 with an ID value of 1 and a PRS ID correspondingto SRI 1 with an ID value of 3. At 1004, a base station, such as basestation 102, may send a MAC CE PRS update for CC1 and CC2 with a PRS IDvalue of 2 for SRI 0. Thus, at 1006, a UE, such as UE 106, may updateCC1 and CC2 such that a PRS ID corresponding to SRI 0 has an ID value of2 in both CCs, as shown.

In some embodiments, for SRS, a MAC CE may be used to update thepathloss reference signal ID for an SRS resource set for a group of CCs,which may include a Pathloss reference signal ID, an SRS resource setindex, and/or a serving cell (group) index. For example, as illustratedby FIG. 10B, at 1012, a group of CCs (e.g., CC1 and CC2) may beconfigured. As shown, CC1 may include a PRS identifier (ID) for SRSresource set 0 with an ID value of 0 and PRS ID for SRS resource set 1with an ID of 2. Additionally, CC2 may include a PRS ID for SRS resourceset 0 with an ID value of 1 and a PRS ID for SRS resource set 1 with anID value of 3. At 1014, a base station, such as base station 102, maysend a MAC CE PRS update for CC1 and CC2 with a PRS ID value of 2 forSRS resource set 0. Thus, at 1016, a UE, such as UE 106, may update CC1and CC2 such that a PRS ID for SRS resource set 0 has an ID value of 2in both CCs, as shown.

In some embodiments, when/if a CORESET-BFR is configured with the sameidentifier as a MAC CE for TCI indication for a group of CCs, a UE maynot update a TCI assumption for CORESET-BFR. For example, the UE mayignore the TCI indication for CORESET-BFR. As another example, a basestation may not indicate a CORESET ID that corresponding to aCORESET-BFR and the UE may ignore the entire MAC CE and/or consider suchtype of MAC CE as an error case. For example, as illustrated by FIG. 11, at 1102, CC1 may include CORESET 1 and CORESET 2. In CC1, CORESET 1may be configured with TCI 0 and CORESET 2 may be configured with TCI 2.Additionally, CC2 may also include CORESET 1 and CORESET 2. In CC2,CORESET 1 may be reserved for BFR and CORESET 2 may be configured withTCI 3. At 1104, a base station, such as base station 102, may send a MACCE TCI update for CORESET 1 for CC1 and CC2. The indication may includea TCI value of 4. Thus, at 1106, a UE, such as UE 106, may update theTCI value for CORESET 1 in CC1 to 4 but may not update CORESET 1 in CC2.

In some embodiments, a MAC CE as illustrated by FIG. 12 may be used forTCI indication for PDSCH for a group of CCs. As shown, 1-bit may be usedto indicate whether the TCI indication is for a group of CCs or a singleCC, (e.g. field “C”) of FIG. 12 . In some embodiments, when/if this isfor a group of CCs, the group may be the one containing the serving cellindex indicated by the MAC CE; otherwise, the UE may only update the TCIfor the indicated serving cell. In some embodiments, to supportmulti-TRP operation, the “Ti” field can indicate 1 TCI state or morethan 1 TCI states.

In some embodiments, a MAC CE indication for TCI indication for PDCCHfor a group of CCs may include 1 bit to indicate whether a TCIindication is for a group of CCs or a single CC, a CORESET ID, a servingcell (group) ID, and/or a TCI index. In some embodiments, the MAC CE mayinclude 1-bit that may be used to indicate whether the TCI indication isfor a group of CCs or a single CC. In some embodiments, when/if the MACCE is for a group of CCs, the group may be the one containing theserving cell index indicated by the MAC CE; otherwise, the UE may onlyupdate the TCI for the indicated serving cell. Alternatively, such afield may be jointly coded with a CORESET ID. In some embodiments, ahigher layer index may be indicated for the MAC CE. In some embodiments,the UE may only update TCI state for a CORESET with the same higherlayer index configured with the indicated CORESET ID. In someembodiments, for a CORESET without higher layer index configured, e.g.CORESET #0, its higher layer index can be considered as 0. In someembodiments, the UE may not update TCI for the CORESET without higherlayer index configured if it is indicated by a MAC CE. In someembodiments, the higher layer index may not be indicated and may bebased on the CORESET index indicated in a CC indicated in a serving cellindex.

In some embodiments, a MAC CE indication for spatial relation indicationfor aperiodic/semi-persistent SRS for a group of CCs may include 1-bitto indicate whether a TCI indication is for a group of CCs or a singleCC, an SRS resource set ID, a serving cell (group) ID, a BWP ID, and/ora resource for spatial relation indication. In some embodiments, if/whenthe MAC CE is for a group of CCs, the group may be the one containingthe serving cell index indicated by the MAC CE. In such embodiments, aUE may update the spatial relation for the SRS resource sets for thegroup of CCs; otherwise, the UE may only update the spatial relation forthe SRS resource set indicated by the serving cell.

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a method foroverhead reduction for multi-carrier beam selection and power control,according to some embodiments. The method shown in FIG. 13 may be usedin conjunction with any of the systems, methods, or devices shown in theFigures, among other devices. In various embodiments, some of the methodelements shown may be performed concurrently, in a different order thanshown, or may be omitted. Additional method elements may also beperformed as desired. As shown, this method may operate as follows.

At 1302, a UE, such as UE 106, may receive, from a base station, such asbase station 102, a first uplink beam configuration for a group ofcomponent carriers. The first uplink beam configuration may include amedium access control (MAC) control element (CE) that may include anindication of a spatial relation for aperiodic or semi-persistentsounding reference signals for the group of component carriers, anindication of a transmission control indicator (TCI) for a physicaldownlink control channel (PDSCH), an indication of an update for aphysical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and/or an indication of anupdate for a sounding reference signal. In some embodiments, the groupof component carriers is configured via radio resource control signalingbetween the UE and the base station.

At 1304, the UE may communicate, with the base station, using the firstuplink beam configuration for the group of component carriers.

At 1306, the UE may receive, from the base station, a second uplink beamconfiguration for the group of component carriers. The second uplinkbeam configuration may include a MAC CE that may update a pathlossreference signal (PRS) for the group of component carriers. In someembodiments, the MAC CE may (also) include an indication of a spatialrelation for aperiodic or semi-persistent sounding reference signals forthe group of component carriers, an indication of a transmission controlindicator (TCI) for a physical downlink control channel (PDSCH), anindication of an update for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH),and/or an indication of an update for a sounding reference signal.

In some embodiments, the group of component carriers is the same as agroup of component carriers for a spatial relation update. For example,in some embodiments, the MAC CE may further update spatial relation foraperiodic or semi-persistent sounding reference signals for the group ofcomponent carriers. In some embodiments, the MAC CE may include one bitindicating whether the MAC CE applies to the group of component carriersor to a specific component carrier within the group of componentcarriers. In some embodiments, when the MAC CE applies to the group ofcomponent carriers, the group of component carriers may be indicated bya serving cell index indicated by the MAC CE. In some embodiments, theMAC CE may further include an indication of a serving cell. In suchembodiments, the UE may update a spatial relation for a soundingreference signal resource set for the serving cell indicated by the MACCE.

In some embodiments, the MAC CE may include any, any combination of,and/or all of (e.g., at least one of) a sounding reference signalresource set identifier (and/or index), a serving cell identifier(and/or index), a serving cell group identifier (and/or index), abandwidth part identifier (and/or index), and/or a resource for spatialrelation indication (and/or index).

In some embodiments, the MAC CE may include any, any combination of,and/or all of (e.g., at least one of) a PRS identifier (and/or index), asounding reference signal (SRS) resource indicator (and/or index), aserving cell identifier (and/or index), and/or a serving cell groupidentifier (and/or index).

In some embodiments, the MAC CE may include any, any combination of,and/or all of (e.g., at least one of) a PRS identifier (and/or index), asounding reference signal (SRS) resource set identifier (and/or index),a serving cell identifier (and/or index), and/or a serving cell groupidentifier (and/or index).

In some embodiments, the MAC CE may include any, any combination of,and/or all of an indication of a spatial relation for aperiodic orsemi-persistent sounding reference signals for the group of componentcarriers, an indication of a transmission control indicator (TCI) for aphysical downlink control channel (PDSCH), an indication of an updatefor a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), an indication of an updatefor a sounding reference signal, an indication of whether the MAC CEapplies to the group of component carriers or to a specific componentcarrier within the group of component carriers, a serving cell index, aserving cell, a sounding reference signal resource set identifier(and/or index), a serving cell identifier (and/or index), a serving cellgroup identifier (and/or index), a bandwidth part identifier (and/orindex), a resource for spatial relation indication (and/or index), a PRSidentifier (and/or index), a sounding reference signal (SRS) resourceindicator (and/or index), and/or a sounding reference signal (SRS)resource set identifier (and/or index).

In some embodiments, the first uplink beam configuration includes acontrol resource set (CORESET) reserved for beam failure recovery in onecomponent carrier within the group of component carriers. In suchembodiments, the MAC CE may include a transmission control indicator(TCI) indication for the CORESET reserved for beam failure recovery. Insome embodiments, the UE may ignore the TCI indication for the CORESETreserved for beam failure recovery and updating corresponding CORESETsin other component carriers of the group of component carriers based onthe TCI indication. In some embodiments, the UE may ignore the MAC CE.In some embodiments, the UE may treat the MAC CE as an error case.

In some embodiments, the MAC CE may include one bit indicating whetherthe MAC CE applies to the group of component carriers or to a specificcomponent carrier within the group of component carriers. In suchembodiments, when the MAC CE applies to the group of component carriers,the group of component carriers may be indicated by a serving cell indexindicated by the MAC CE. In some embodiments, the MAC CE may furtherinclude an indication of a serving cell. In such embodiments, the UE mayupdate a transmission control indicator (TCI) for a physical downlinkcontrol channel (PDSCH) for the serving cell indicated by the MAC CE. Insome embodiments, the MAC CE may indicate multiple transmission controlindicator (TCI) states to support multiple transmission and receptionpoint (multi-TRP) operation. In some embodiments, the MAC CE mayindicate a higher layer index. In such embodiments, the UE may update atransmission control indicator (TCI) state for control resource sets(CORESETs) with the indicated higher layer index. Additionally, in someembodiments, the UE may not update CORESETs that do not have higherlayer index configured.

It is well understood that the use of personally identifiableinformation should follow privacy policies and practices that aregenerally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmentalrequirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular,personally identifiable information data should be managed and handledso as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use,and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be realized in any of variousforms. For example, some embodiments may be realized as acomputer-implemented method, a computer-readable memory medium, or acomputer system. Other embodiments may be realized using one or morecustom-designed hardware devices such as ASICs. Still other embodimentsmay be realized using one or more programmable hardware elements such asFPGAs.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable memory mediummay be configured so that it stores program instructions and/or data,where the program instructions, if executed by a computer system, causethe computer system to perform a method, e.g., any of the methodembodiments described herein, or, any combination of the methodembodiments described herein, or, any subset of any of the methodembodiments described herein, or, any combination of such subsets.

In some embodiments, a device (e.g., a UE 106) may be configured toinclude a processor (or a set of processors) and a memory medium, wherethe memory medium stores program instructions, where the processor isconfigured to read and execute the program instructions from the memorymedium, where the program instructions are executable to implement anyof the various method embodiments described herein (or, any combinationof the method embodiments described herein, or, any subset of any of themethod embodiments described herein, or, any combination of suchsubsets). The device may be realized in any of various forms.

Any of the methods described herein for operating a user equipment (UE)may be the basis of a corresponding method for operating a base station,by interpreting each message/signal X received by the UE in the downlinkas message/signal X transmitted by the base station, and eachmessage/signal Y transmitted in the uplink by the UE as a message/signalY received by the base station.

Although the embodiments above have been described in considerabledetail, numerous variations and modifications will become apparent tothose skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated.It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace allsuch variations and modifications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A user equipment device (UE), comprising: atleast one antenna; at least one radio, wherein the at least one radio isconfigured to perform cellular communication using at least one radioaccess technology (RAT); one or more processors coupled to the at leastone radio, wherein the one or more processors and the at least one radioare configured to perform voice and/or data communications; wherein theone or more processors are configured to cause the UE to: receive, froma base station, a first uplink beam configuration for a group ofcomponent carriers; communicate, with the base station, using the firstuplink beam configuration for the group of component carriers; andreceive, from the base station, a second uplink beam configuration forthe group of component carriers, wherein the second uplink beamconfiguration includes a medium access control (MAC) control element(CE) that updates a pathloss reference signal (PRS) for the group ofcomponent carriers.
 2. The UE of claim 1, wherein the group of componentcarriers is configured via radio resource control signaling between theUE and the base station.
 3. The UE of claim 1, wherein the group ofcomponent carriers is the same as a group of component carriers for aspatial relation update, and wherein the MAC CE further updates spatialrelation for aperiodic or semi-persistent sounding reference signals forthe group of component carriers.
 4. The UE of claim 3, wherein the MACCE includes one bit indicating whether the MAC CE applies to the groupof component carriers or to a specific component carrier within thegroup of component carriers.
 5. The UE of claim 3, wherein the MAC CEapplies to the group of component carriers, and wherein the group ofcomponent carriers is indicated by a serving cell index indicated by theMAC CE.
 6. The UE of claim 3, wherein the MAC CE further includes anindication of a serving cell, and wherein the one or more processors arefurther configured to cause the UE to update a spatial relation for asounding reference signal resource set for the serving cell indicated bythe MAC CE.
 7. The UE of claim 3, wherein the MAC CE further includes atleast one of: a sounding reference signal resource set identifier; aserving cell identifier; a serving cell group identifier; a bandwidthpart identifier; or a resource for spatial relation indication.
 8. TheUE of claim 1, wherein the MAC CE further includes at least one of: aPRS identifier (ID); a sounding reference signal (SRS) resourceindicator; a serving cell index; or a serving cell group index.
 9. TheUE of claim 1, wherein the MAC CE further includes at least one of: aPRS identifier (ID); a sounding reference signal (SRS) resource setindex; a serving cell index; or a serving cell group index.
 10. Anapparatus, comprising: a memory; and at least one processor incommunication with the memory, wherein the at least one processor isconfigured to: receive, from a base station, an uplink beamconfiguration for a group of component carriers; generate instructionsto communicate, with the base station, using the uplink beamconfiguration for the group of component carriers; and receive, from thebase station, an updated uplink beam configuration for the group ofcomponent carriers, wherein the updated uplink beam configurationincludes a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) that updatesa pathloss reference signal (PRS) for the group of component carriersand a spatial relation for aperiodic or semi-persistent soundingreference signals for the group of component carriers.
 11. The apparatusof claim 10, wherein the uplink beam configuration includes a controlresource set (CORESET) reserved for beam failure recovery in onecomponent carrier within the group of component carriers, wherein theMAC CE includes a transmission control indicator (TCI) indication forthe CORESET reserved for beam failure recovery, and wherein the at leastone processor is further configured to: ignore the TCI indication forthe CORESET reserved for beam failure recovery and update correspondingCORESETs in other component carriers of the group of component carriersbased on the TCI indication; ignore the MAC CE; or treat the MAC CE asan error case.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the MAC CEincludes one bit indicating whether the MAC CE applies to the group ofcomponent carriers or to a specific component carrier within the groupof component carriers.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the MAC CEapplies to the group of component carriers, wherein the group ofcomponent carriers is indicated by a serving cell index indicated by theMAC CE; and wherein the MAC CE further includes an indication of aserving cell.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least oneprocessor is further configured to update a transmission controlindicator (TCI) for a physical downlink control channel (PDSCH) for theserving cell indicated by the MAC CE.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12,wherein the MAC CE indicates multiple transmission control indicator(TCI) states to support multiple transmission and reception point(multi-TRP) operation.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the MAC CEindicates a higher layer index, and wherein the at least one processoris further configured to: update a transmission control indicator (TCI)state for control resource sets (CORESETs) with the indicated higherlayer index; and not update CORESETs that do not have higher layer indexconfigured.
 17. A non-transitory computer readable memory medium storingprogram instructions executable by processing circuitry to cause a userequipment device (UE) to: receive, from a base station, a first uplinkbeam configuration for a group of component carriers; communicate, withthe base station, using the first uplink beam configuration for thegroup of component carriers; and receive, from the base station, asecond uplink beam configuration for the group of component carriers,wherein the second uplink beam configuration includes a medium accesscontrol (MAC) control element (CE) that updates a pathloss referencesignal (PRS) for the group of component carriers and a spatial relationfor aperiodic or semi-persistent sounding reference signals for thegroup of component carriers.
 18. The non-transitory computer readablememory medium of claim 17, wherein the MAC CE further includes at leastone of: a sounding reference signal resource set identifier; a servingcell identifier; a serving cell group identifier; a bandwidth partidentifier; or a resource for spatial relation indication.
 19. Thenon-transitory computer readable memory medium of claim 17, wherein theMAC CE further includes at least one of: a PRS identifier (ID); asounding reference signal (SRS) resource indicator; a serving cellindex; or a serving cell group index.
 20. The non-transitory computerreadable memory medium of claim 17, wherein the MAC CE further includesat least one of: a PRS identifier (ID); a sounding reference signal(SRS) resource set index; a serving cell index; or a serving cell groupindex.